In vitro and in vivo toxicity evaluation of halloysite nanotubes.

Because of their outstanding properties, increasing numbers of research studies and emerging applications for manufacturing products are currently in progress for halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). Therefore, the impact of HNTs on the environment and human health should be taken into consideration. In order to clearly show the cell uptake of HNTs and the biodistribution of HNTs in zebrafish, HNTs are labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC-HNTs).

Functionalization of Halloysite Nanotubes via Grafting of Dendrimer for Efficient Intracellular Delivery of siRNA.

Here, polyamidoamine grafted halloysite nanotubes (PAMAM- g-HNTs) were synthesized for loading of siRNA in order to intracellular delivery of siRNA and treat of breast cancer via gene therapy. The successful grafting of PAMAM on HNTs was confirmed by various analytical methods. The size, zeta potential, and grafting ratio of PAMAM- g-HNTs is ∼206.

Polyethyleneimine grafted short halloysite nanotubes for gene delivery.

Inorganic nanoparticles have attracted much attentions in gene delivery because of their desirable characteristics including low toxicity, well-controlled characteristics, high gene delivery efficiency, and multi-functionalities. Here, natural occurred halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were developed as a novel non-viral gene vector. To increase the efficiency of endocytosis, HNTs were firstly shortened into an appropriate size (~200nm).

Large-area assembly of halloysite nanotubes for enhancing the capture of tumor cells.

Here, polystyrene sulfonate sodium (PSS) modified Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were self-assembled into a patterned coating on a glass substrate with ordered nanotube arrays in a slit-like confined space. The microstructure of the formed patterned HNTs coating was investigated. The formed strips are more regular and almost parallel to each other with an increase in HNTs concentration.

Effects of halloysite nanotubes on physical properties and cytocompatibility of alginate composite hydrogels.

Sodium alginate (SA)/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composite hydrogels were successfully prepared by solution blending and cross-linking with calcium ions. HNTs can improve the physical properties and cytocompatibility of composite hydrogels. The static and shear viscosity of SA/HNTs solution increase by the addition of HNTs.